Science & Engineering Associate - Experimental Instrumentation

Overview

Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people to solve complex challenges? Does contributing to breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instrumentation in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Operations is seeking Science and Engineering Associates to join our team and provide support to scientific instruments and experiments. The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is a science Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.

LCLS is the world’s first hard X-ray free electron laser (FEL). LCLS is operated as an international user facility, attracting hundreds of scientists from around the world to conduct first-of-a-kind experiments to study fundamental processes of chemistry, technology, and life itself. A suite of 10 instruments for exploiting the unique LCLS scientific capabilities has been produced.

The Science and Engineering Associate is responsible for coordinating efforts among many diverse groups, provide direct technical expertise in support of our science program and our Users from around the globe. Science and Engineering Associates provide Work Planning and Control support while working with Scientists, Technicians and Engineers responsible for the configuration of the facility. The Science and Engineering Associate will be a key technical member of one or multiple teams in charge of instruments and play an important role in maintenance, development and deployment of experiment specific systems as well as any upgrades to the systems.

In this key role you will leverage knowledge of Mechanical, Vacuum, Lasers and Controls systems. You will support operations involving multiple disciplines utilized in research and experimental activities. This position reports to the LCLS Technical Associate Support Department within the LCLS Experimental Operations Division.

• Participate in technical research utilizing and/or developing experimental equipment, devices, specimens, plans, designs, reports, and/or data analysis.
• Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other university staff; serve as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.
• Support scientific and research programs related to area of specialization; analyze requirements, monitor and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems.
• Manage, modify, repair, and troubleshoot complex equipment and experimental systems.
• Prepare and review drawings, material lists, requisitions, job orders, engineering change requests, and other documents associated with development, fabrication, assembly, installations, and testing.
• Coordinate and work on scientific or engineering installations; plan and execute various phases of an operation, oversee schedule of equipment operations, and supervise routine maintenance.
• Acquire and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals associated with experimental or engineering projects.
• Maintain documentation related to research studies and protocols, and perform administrative duties related to equipment and systems associated with research or engineering projects, as assigned.
• Oversee the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group/projects, and provide guidance to technicians, operators, and others working in particular scientific or engineering function area.
• Become familiar with the details of the instrument(s) in respect to controls and vacuum systems.
• Diagnose and resolve any problems that may arise with the instruments” controls and vacuum delivery systems or troubleshoot issues at a first level and identify tasks requiring expert knowledge.
• Interact with and assist instrument scientists and users from across the world in the preparation for operations of their specific instruments.
• Support the installation, and ensure operation of new hardware-components, and instrumentation.
• Order, schedule, coordinate, and supervise the work of technicians and support staff.
• Participate in the planning, procurement and installation cycles…